After a brilliant start to the 2010-11 NHL campaign, the Philadelphia Flyers sputtered to a disastrous finish just barely winning the Atlantic Division. GM Paul Holmgren saw the need for change after losing in the second round of the playoffs to the Boston Bruins, a brutal sweep that apparently that exposed the weaknesses of the organization.
Gone are center pieces Mike Richards and Jeff Carter. In come veteran goalie Ilya Bryzgalov and a supporting cast that Philadelphia hopes will spring them back to Stanley Cup contention.
Positives: Without question, the Flyers goaltending situation is much improved as compared to prior years. Last year’s starter Sergei Bobrovsky will back up one of the most respected goalies in the NHL, Bryzgalov.
Defensively, the Flyers look as solid as any team in the Atlantic with Chris Pronger assuming leadership of this club. Kimmo Timonen, Matt Carl, Braydon Coburn, and Andrej Mesararos are capable defenseman and all have the ability to move the puck effectively up ice.
Additionally, the Flyers come into 2011-12 with a little more grit. Smart additions such as Max Talbot and Wayne Simmons will make this team more physical, a liability for last year’s version of this team.
Negatives: Who will score? Last year Richards and Carter combined for 59 goals and 73 assists. There is no one player that the Flyers exchanged for these players that are a lock to match eithers production. Claude Giroux (career high in points, 76, in 2010-11) and James van Riemsdyk will be counted on to pick up a considerable amount of slack.
Despite getting younger in the deals that shipped Carter to Columbus and Richards to Los Angeles, the health of key players could haunt. The Flyers cannot afford a long term injury to winger Danny Briere (average of 60 games played over last 3 years) or defenseman Chris Pronger (50 games played in 2010-11).
Best Scenario: The Flyers match their 106 points from last season and it’s enough to win a tough division, finishing 2nd in the conference.
Worst Scenario: The Flyers have problems scoring and the New York Rangers surge. 3rd place behind Pittsburgh and New York, 7th overall.
Most Likely Scenario: 2nd in the Atlantic, 4th in the conference.
References: Yahoo sports